GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: 

Trains in and provides probation services for juveniles, including conducting interviews for social histories; applying skills in counseling; preparing cases for court; making referrals to community resources; writing reports; conducting and co-facilitating groups; coordinating case/detention plans and performs related duties as required.  The Probation Officer I is an entry-level position and cases assigned shall be minimum and medium levels of supervision only.  This position is with Ada County Juvenile Court Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: 

• Trains in and follows the departmental procedures for managing juvenile offenders’ caseloads; confers with supervisors and experienced personnel on aspects of counseling techniques; and becomes familiar with community resources;
• Trains in and conducts interviews and prepares social histories on juveniles; and learns methods of assessing the social, emotional and competency needs of the juvenile;
• Writes court reports, dismissals, progress notes, using proper spelling, grammar, and syntax, prepared in the format required by the court;
• Problem solves with juveniles, develops case plans and/or contracts and co-facilitates group sessions;
• Acts as liaison between Court and School;
• Appears in court with juveniles as needed; and makes home visits, school visits, and field visits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology or a related human services field or equivalent combination of education and experience; understanding of modern probation services, practices and philosophy.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior, ability to conduct an investigation through the use of interviews and other techniques; analyze data and use professional judgment to reach appropriate conclusions; and communicate clearly in stressful situations.
• May be required to work a flexible schedule, which may include work on some weekends, evenings, nights, and/or holidays.

POST CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

The position requires that the incumbent meet POST Standards for Probation Officers.  Upon an offer of employment as a Probation Officer, a medical examination is required, as well as a vision and a hearing examination.  All such examinations are at the expense of the applicant.  The applicant shall meet the POST medical standards to qualify for employment as a Probation Officer at Ada County Juvenile Court Services.  All medical examinations shall be completed within two (2) weeks of an offer of employment.

This is an “At Will” position and therefore excluded from the Ada County classified personnel system.

**PLEASE NOTE:  Ada County reserves the right, at the discretion of the appropriate appointing authority, to waive any of the minimum qualifications for those applicants whose general or specific qualifications would otherwise qualify the applicant for the position or lead the appointing authority to believe that the applicant is capable of performing the assigned duties and fulfilling the assigned responsibilities